[Speak] to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord. (Eph. 5:19)

When my mother is nearby, you can be sure you’ll hear her humming. She cleans houses for a living, and often her clients will tell her, “Janet, you’re always so cheerful when you’re dusting!” They may not recognize the tune or exactly why she hums, but they know she is different from their former cleaning ladies because of her song. That hum is her expression of thanksgiving and worship. She sings because she’s filled with the Spirit, and it’s evident to others.

Paul encouraged his readers to speak with psalms and hymns, making music in their hearts to the Lord. He later said, “Submit.” Thankful, reverent hearts are a vital aspect of living as children of light, different from the world; beautiful harmony requires that singers submit to each other, blending as they tell the music’s story. Christ-followers become wise when they sing and speak psalms and hymns to each other in harmony. The Spirit fills us while we blend our music together, day in and day out.

It’s one thing to say we are Christ’s, but to live our lives in silence, alone. It’s quite another to sing our love for God aloud, to another person, whether it sounds beautiful or not! Thankful, praising hearts were key in transforming the Ephesians from their former ways of darkness into children of light. How is praise transforming you?

Make music in your heart and blend your tune with another believer’s.

Jamie Hilty lives in Goshen, Indiana. Singing, story-sharing, and creating bring her joy. She’s grateful her pastor-husband shares his office and parents their kids so she can put words on paper.

© 2019 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission.